Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry includes a variety of dental procedures aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth or smile.

Teeth Whitening – Whitening procedures can effectively brighten the smiles of people with stained, dull, or discolored teeth. Products like coffee and tea, berries and soy sauce are common causes of stained teeth. Over time, teeth actually become more absorbent and vulnerable to staining from food and other substances. More and more people today are choosing tooth whitening procedures to reverse the effects of aging and abuse from food, drink and tobacco stains.

Whitening toothpaste can be somewhat effective at removing surface stains and making teeth a little brighter. However, many of these products have abrasive substances that can actually wear away your tooth’s enamel and harm your gum tissue.

Professional tooth whitening agents can actually change the color of your teeth for a brighter smile. These products are not as effective on pitted or badly discolored teeth or grayish teeth (porcelain veneers may be more appropriate in these cases). Professional whitening performed by our office is considered to be the most effective and safest method of tooth whitening. Done properly, tooth whitening can last for years.

Amalgam filling removal – Because amalgam fillings were so popular in years past, many patients have numerous amalgam restorations. For any number of reasons patients may want to replace amalgam fillings with tooth-colored, composite fillings. Some patients are concerned that the amalgam fillings don’t last as long as composite fillings, other patients are worried about the tooth cracking or chipping because amalgam fillings don’t bond to the tooth structure like composite fillings, some fear the mercury filling material that is present in small amounts in amalgam, but most patients simply want to remove the silver fillings from their teeth because they don’t look as nice. Your dentist can evaluate your amalgam fillings and prepare a plan for the gradual or immediate replacement with composite fillings.

Dental Veneers – Front teeth that are badly stained, misshaped teeth or crooked teeth may be improved by veneers placed on the surface of the affected teeth.

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or other material cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding, and highly resist permanent staining.

Dental veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline or injury and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may also consider porcelain veneers.

Dental Crown – Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as cavities, cracking and discoloration. If your dentist observes a tooth that is decayed, weakened or cracked a crown may be a good option. A crown can also restore a tooth that has had a root canal or replace a large filling to prevent a broken tooth.

To prepare a tooth for a crown, your dentist simply removes a layer of the tooth surface to accommodate the thickness of the crown. A crown is created and cemented onto the remaining tooth surface and your bite is adjusted for a proper relationship with the teeth it touches.

Your crown will be tooth-colored to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth. Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-15 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth by following the recommendations of your dentist and dental hygienist.

Dental Bridge – Bridges are a natural-looking replacement for one or more missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite. Your existing teeth are used to literally create a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from porcelain, gold, or metal alloys to ensure that they are strong and durable.

The teeth on either side of the missing tooth are recontoured to provide a base for the bridge (similar to a crown preparation). A dental laboratory is able to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible. The bridge is then cemented into place. Your dental bridge may take a little while to get used to, but after a few days it should feel like you have your own teeth back again.

If you are missing a tooth you should consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an appointment today to restore your smile.

Dental Implant – Before development of dental implants, dentures and bridges were the only alternatives to replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Dental Implants are titanium replacements for teeth that are anchored into the bone and are designed to mimic the tooth root. The dental implant acts as a foundation for an artificial tooth. An implant can be used to replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or as the support for a bridge or removable denture. Dental Implants require the same diligent care that you give your natural teeth.

If you are missing teeth and are looking to restore the structure, function, and appearance of your smile with dental implants in Appleton, call us today.

Professional, Friendly

I really like Dr Smith and his staff. All are concerned with discomfort while doing dental work. They were proactive in making certain I wasn’t in any pain… Everyone in the office have been very pleasant… I would definitely recommend Dr Smith!

Christine P.

Very Efficient, Friendly and Highly Professional

I appreciate knowing Dr. Smith reviews my dental records prior to seeing me. I also appreciate his skills, knowledge and professionalism. He is also very approachable and friendly. Kudos!

David B.

Awesome and Fun to Visit

Very professional and very concerned for our dental health. The people are really friendly like as if you are the only person that comes in. They teach you how to take care of your teeth which sometimes is the last thing on the list to do.

Louise G.

Outstanding Dental Office

This is an office that truly cares about people. The entire staff is very friendly, professional, and helpful. Dr. Smith goes all out to ensure his patients receive quality care. He is truly concerned about his patients and providing the best dental care. This staff enjoys their jobs and it shows. Dr. Smith is very kind, patient, and driven to please.